Crypto Market Structure Bill Faces Fresh Markup Uncertainty as Senate Calls Off Monday's Session

The U.S Senate called off Monday’s session due to an expected snowstorm, bringing fresh uncertainty around the Crypto Market Structure Bill markup. This new delay adds to the growing number of setbacks, having been delayed a few times due to unresolved bipartisan disputes.

While negotiations may continue behind closed doors, the lack of a clear timeline keeps the bill’s progress uncertain

Crypto Market Structure Bill Markup Delay Looms as Senate Cancels Monday’s Voting Session

The Senate canceled Monday’s voting sessions after weather forecasts showed that a severe snowstorm, ‘snowmageddon,’ could hit Washington. This decision immediately put the crypto market bill markup at risk of another delay.

Journalist Eleanor Terrett confirmed the suspension of the session, noting that voting might resume late Tuesday. However, there is no confirmation yet on whether the Senate Banking Committee will proceed with the markup this coming Tuesday. This leaves the bill’s timeline unclear.

🚨NEW: The Senate has canceled Monday votes ahead of snowmageddon. Members will now likely trickle in ahead of Tuesday’s late afternoon votes, leaving the fate of the @SenateAg Committee’s crypto market structure markup unclear.

I asked a committee spokesperson whether the… pic.twitter.com/GYyj3EqWvg

— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) January 23, 2026

This uncertainty mirrors what happened earlier this month. The Senate Agriculture Committee postponed its own markup after failing to secure bipartisan backing. Lawmakers wanted more alignment before pushing the bill forward, but negotiations dragged on without results

Additionally, the Senate Agriculture Committee released a revised draft this week without bipartisan support. While Senator John Boozman later admitted consensus never materialized, the weeks of closed-door talks have once again delivered no breakthrough.

The latest draft also introduced fresh friction. Lawmakers added language tied to the Credit Card Competition Act. That provision targets card networks and issuers that enforce exclusivity rules. While unrelated to the crypto market structure bill, the amendment complicates negotiations and expands opposition.

For crypto investors, uncertainty around the bill dampens market sentiment, putting top cryptocurrencies at risk of another collapse

Shutdown Risk and Political Tension Add More Drag

The approaching U.S government shutdown also adds another layer of risk. Lawmakers have six days left before funding expires, with no clear resolution in sight.

Senators initially planned the Tuesday markup to beat any shutdown deadline. That strategy aimed to move the crypto bill forward before Washington gridlock shut everything down. However, the cancellation of Monday’s Senate session disrupts that plan.

Despite the setbacks, some lawmakers remain optimistic. According to a recent CNBC report, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand continues to argue that the crypto market bill will advance soon. She believes the framework still has momentum inside the Senate.

Behind the scenes, bipartisan discussions continue within the Senate Banking Committee. Chairman Tim Scott confirmed ongoing talks with crypto firms, financial institutions, and lawmakers from both parties.

“I’ve spoken with leaders across the crypto industry, the financial sector, and my Democratic and Republican colleagues,” Scott said. “Everyone remains at the table working in good faith,” he added

Still, optimism does not equal progress. The committee has not announced a new date for the markup hearing. Without a schedule, markets remain stuck guessing

The delay keeps regulatory overhang firmly in place. Bitcoin and altcoins thrive on clarity, and further delay could trigger a market crash. Until lawmakers lock in a date and votes begin, the crypto market bill will stay trapped in political chop